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If there is one type of purchasing approach that results in more appliance returns than any other, spontaneous shopping has to be at or near the top of the list. While the return of appliances after this type of shopping spree can be motivated by a number of factors, the leading cause is that the newly purchased products are of a size that makes their installation impossible, expensive, or ill advised. If you are in the decision stage of the appliance purchasing process, the first thing to remember is that buying on impulse can be a hit or miss drill with the misses unnecessarily consuming time, effort, and money.

To avoid these issues, be sure to include these three critical measurements on each appliance before making your final decision:

The space where each appliance will be installed – Trying to “eyeball” or guesstimate the dimensions of the locations for each appliance may work, but it probably won’t. Even the smallest miss can either make the installation more expensive due to modifications of surrounding counters and cabinets or make the appliance look like a poor fit for the space.

The appliances under consideration – Getting precise measurements on the appliances you want to buy is as important as measurements of the space they will occupy. When measuring both the space and the products, don’t forget to measure depth, as an appliance that extends beyond or is recessed back from surrounding counters/cabinets will look misplaced.

Any tight areas on the path from the curb to the kitchen, laundry room, etc. – The fastest way to find out that an appliance isn’t going to fit is if the product can’t be delivered due to obstacles on the path, whether they are on the interior or exterior of the home. Obstacles that can prevent delivery include narrow walkways, doorways, and staircases, especially those with tight turns. Measuring these areas in advance can ensure that your new appliances can get where they are supposed to go while also speeding the installation if, for example, doors need to be taken off of their hinges to allow passage.

Spontaneous shopping can be full of temptations, so be sure to check your measurements before you head to the store and after you get the cut sheets from your salesperson.

The project’s budget should be based on two parameters; the appraised value of the home and the selling prices for similar homes in the neighborhood – The rule of thumb for setting your remodeling budget is that it should run between 5 and 10 percent of the home’s value. If your home’s value is approximately equal to other homes in the area, keep the budget closer to 5 percent. If its value is significantly less than other homes, the budget can be pushed toward 10 percent.

Appliances should be purchased with ruthless efficiency – While you definitely want to present an upgraded look, buying high-end appliances in this type of remodeling project will result in a lower return than going with base models.

Remodel for a broad market – To give your home the best chance of selling, you’ll want to go with neutral (white or stainless steel) appliances and basic cabinetry to appeal to a broader audience.

…and remodeling for love:

If the long term plan is to stay in your home, return on investment becomes a non-issue – While you don’t want be wasteful, the budget for new appliances and other features in the kitchen can be expanded to what you can afford.

Appliances can be purchased to deliver an optimal user experience – Again, you’ll want stay within your budget and buy only features that have utility in your kitchen. That being said, if you’re committed to cooking like a pro, for example, buy the appliances that will allow you to do what you want to do toward that end.

It’s your kitchen; show some personality – Designing the kitchen as an extension of your household’s collective personality can turn it into an exciting gathering area that also encourages culinary creativity.

While remodeling for money requires a more pragmatic approach to upgrades and buying appliances, a project that isn’t based on the sale of the home can be executed with creativity and flair. The key is to decide whether fiscal responsibility or wild creativity is in order before starting the project.